October means something a little different to our team at Brier Creek Orthodontics because we celebrate Halloween and it is also National Orthodontic Health Month.

During October, orthodontic offices all over the country work together to promote their services and inform the community about the important work we do as well as help you with some braces safe Halloween treats. Our goal is to draw attention to the fact that everyone needs to be evaluated for orthodontic treatment. You are never too young or too old if your bite or smile needs correction.

American Association of Orthodontics recommends that parents start early and all kids are evaluated by an orthodontist by 7 – 8 years of age. During the growing years of 7 – 10, kids undergo a major growth spurt that goes hand in hand with the eruptive pattern of their teeth and development of jaws.

Best Candy for Braces

When searching for safe candy options for braces, consider the texture of the sweets. Anything that’s super sticky, gooey, or hard is probably best to avoid. Instead, look for these top braces-friendly choices.

• Musketeers
• Peanut Butter Cups
• Peppermint Patties
• Hershey’s Kisses
• Milky Way
• Pure Chocolate Bars

Worst Candy for Braces

At our Raleigh orthodontic office, we want all of our braces patients to have fun this Halloween and enjoy some treats. However, we also feel it’s important for them to be informed of what candy could potentially damage their brackets or wires so they also know what to avoid.

• Hard Candy
• Gum
• Caramels
• Jelly Beans
• Nuts or anything containing nuts

When you’re out in the neighborhood gathering your treats and maybe showing off some tricks, politely pass on any candy that may cause damage to your braces and rather pick the pieces that are both delicious and safe.
Most importantly, be safe, have fun, and Happy Halloween from your Raleigh orthodontist!

October is here and this month we’re celebrating National Orthodontics Month! There is no better time to address your oral health.

Orthodontics is a specialized dentistry field which deals with teeth and jaw alignment to help enhance a person’s oral health and aesthetics. Orthodontic treatment is common among children from the age of 8-14 years since abnormalities in teeth orientation begin to manifest between six to twelve years. Treatment during one’s childhood is more effective compared to when done during adulthood since the root canals are yet to have a solid ground, thus easy to align. Corrective orthodontics is done to fix jaw and teeth problems resulting from accidents and growth changes.

Failure to correct orthodontic deformities such as crowding, wide spacing, and a protrusion can lead to some oral health challenges including tooth decay, loss, and gum disease.

Orthodontists can provide a remedy to such deformities by using braces, also known as aligners to help guide crooked teeth into the right position.  Braces can either be metallic or ceramic and are made to last permanently in the mouth until a patient completes the treatment process.

Stainless steel metal braces are the most common type compared to ceramic braces due to low cost. Braces contain metal bands for wrapping around the molars and smaller brackets which are cemented on other teeth’s front surfaces. In between the brackets of a brace, is a spring metal wire which helps guide the teeth into the right position. Ceramic braces are made from a translucent ceramic material which matches the natural color of teeth, making it hard to be easily noticed. Lingual braces are worn on the back side of the teeth to help teeth fit in the right position without being exposed.

Be happy; there is hope for a better smile even when your teeth appear crooked at present! Contact Dr. Gina Lee with Brier Creek Orthodontics today for your free consultation!